You see what I must believe. That he
wilfully deserted his wife and son--myself. That he went into lonely
and inexplicable solitude for no apparent or possible reason. That he
misused the money subscribed by his friends in order that he might take
this trip to Australia. Was ever anything more irreconcilable?"
"From your point of view--perhaps not," Lord Arranmore answered. "You
must enlarge it."
"Will you tell me how?" Brooks demanded.
Lord Arranmore stifled a yawn. He had the air of one wearied by a
profitless discussion.
"Well," he said, "I might certainly suggest a few things. Who was your
trustee or guardian, or your father's man of business?
"Mr. Ascough, of Lincoln's Inn Fields."
"Exactly. Your father saw him, of course, prior to his departure from
England."
"Yes."
"Well, is it not a fact that instead of making a will your father made
over by deed of gift the whole of his small income to your mother in
trust for you?"
"Yes, he did that," Brooks admitted.
Lord Arranmore shrugged his shoulders.
"Think that over," he remarked. "Doesn't that suggest his already
half-formed intention never to return?"
"It never struck me in that way," Brooks answered.
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